April 30, 2025 | 04:43 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Emeritus Professor of Driyarkara School of Philosophy (STF), Franz Magnis-Suseno, highlights Pope Francis' attitude towards the LGBTQ community. Franz considers Pope Francis to be a very open-minded Catholic leader who has transformed the face of the Catholic Church.
The German-born academic refers to Pope Francis never wanting to judge someone's gender identity and sexual orientation. Franz points out Pope Francis's statement in 2013, when he openly expressed acceptance towards the LGBTQ community.
"If someone is gay and seeks the Lord with goodwill, who am I to judge?" said Pope Francis.
"An extraordinary statement," Franz commented during an interview with Tempo at the Graduate School of STF Driyarkara, Jakarta, on April 24, 2025.
The priest, commonly known as Father Magnis, also highlights Pope Francis' stance in pushing for the state to protect LGBT couples through registered partnership or civil union, a legally recognized relationship that is not marriage.
"Thus, same-sex couples can stay in hotels together, live together, and should not be disturbed or persecuted by the neighborhood head or even the state," Franz expressed.
Franz's comments are in line with the views of Jesuit writer James Martin, who praised the Pope's steps as a progressive move for the Catholic Church towards the LGBT community. "This is consistent with his pastoral approach to the LGBT community, including LGBT Catholics, and sends a strong signal to countries within the Church to oppose such regulations (civil union)," said Martin in a post on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
The Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, believes that the openness to the LGBTQ community is a concrete form of the doctrine of love as taught by Pope Francis.
For Suharyo, Pope Francis wants to show that regardless of a person's gender identity and sexual orientation, they deserve love from God.
"Regardless of the circumstances, their dignity should be respected," said Suharyo during an interview with Tempo at the Jakarta Cathedral complex on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Suharyo mentioned that under Pope Francis, the Catholic Church does allow priests to bless LGBT groups. However, he emphasized that same-sex marriage remains prohibited in Catholic doctrine.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican. At 09:45, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the passing of Pope Francis at 88 at Casa Santa Marta.
The original name of the Pope was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and he passed away after returning from the hospital. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis for several days.
As reported by CBS News, the funeral rites for Pope Francis took place in the Vatican at 10:00 local time.
Approximately 250,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square. Around 150,000 others lined the 6-kilometer route from the Vatican City to Rome towards his final resting place.
During his lifetime, Pope Francis served as an endless example for the Catholic community and humanity.
Pope Francis was known for his advocacy and support for peace, including the genocide in Gaza. The complete story of Pope Francis is documented in the report Telepon Terakhir Paus Fransiskus ke Jalur Gaza, published in Tempo Magazine's edition on April 27, 2025.
Editor's Choice: The Search for the Next Pope: What Cardinals Are Looking For
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Pope Francis' Legacy: Decentralizing the Conclave Beyond Europe
6 jam lalu
For the first time, the Vatican Conclave will feature a far larger number of non-European Cardinals.
The Search for the Next Pope: What Cardinals Are Looking For
6 jam lalu
Cardinals will begin the conclave on May 7th and select a new pope.
The Lifelong Good Example of Pope Francis
1 hari lalu
Pope Francis left behind a good example of religious leadership. He asked the faithful to strengthen their humanity.
First Black Pope Contender: Ghana's Cardinal Turkson Draws Global Attention
1 hari lalu
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson is considered as the potential first black Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. Who is he?
Profile of Cardinal Pietro Parolin: Potential Candidate to Succeed Pope Francis
1 hari lalu
Get to know more about the profile and background of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, one of the strong candidates to succeed Pope Francis.
Vatican Announces Start Date of Conclave to Elect New Pope
1 hari lalu
Vatican has announced the date for the beginning of the conclave to select a new pope following the death of Pope Francis.
4 Strong Candidates to Succeed Pope Francis
1 hari lalu
Here are the four strong candidates who are said to have a big chance of succeeding Pope Francis.
Vatican's Next Steps After Pope Francis' Passing
2 hari lalu
After the burial of Pope Francis, the Vatican prepares several things related to the replacement of the Pope.
The Wealth of Pope Francis: A Study in Humility
2 hari lalu
Pope Francis is known for being a very humble figure. But, what is the true wealth of Pope Francis?
Pope Francis Laid to Rest: Highlights and Key Moments
2 hari lalu
The article covers the funeral of Pope Francis and the presence of various heads of state, including Donald Trump and Zelenskyy.
